Got tired of the increasing squeak coming from the front axle so replaced the axle/wheel u-joints (actually finished the passenger side, ran out of daylight before yanking the driver's side axle out, I'll get that finished later this week).
Yes, Rick, I paid attention to the noises and they were different than what happened earlier this year with something stuck in the brake shield. This was a constant squeal, not affected by engine speed and only slightly affected by road speed. Was worse in cooler weather and would not be noticeable in warm weather or after the u-joints had gotten sufficiently hot. But, what I noticed a while before I heard noises was the steering would occasionally act like it was in 4WD even though it wasn't - tire chirping and all.
When I removed the passenger axle, the outer axle and inner axle stayed perfectly aligned and I had a heck of a time moving them by hand. The old u-joint was dry and shot. Rust had even begun in 1 or 2 of the bearings
Let's just say, these things were due for replacement! I believe they were original, so 126,000+ miles isn't too bad. That did make it lots of fun to drive the bearing caps out, but Liquid Wrench in the spray can helped a lot with the clip rings.
If you've never had the pleasure
of replacing the wheel u-joints, this is not a job you want to tackle on the trail unless you have an on-board mechanic like Jenn. We abuse these things on the trail by dunking them in water and mud and there's only a little flimsy rubber seal to try to hold some grease. And I don't think they make a grease fitting version for the axle/wheel joints (at least not that I could find and there may not be any room for a zerk fitting anyway).
Pay heed to changes in steering feel and any noise from the axle area. Change them before they go on the trail.
Even with reasonable tools and a flat work area, I still slipped with the 12 pound sledge and the 1 3/8 socket I was using as an arbor and took a big chunk (literally) out of my left hand.
I'm going to feel that for while and it makes it hard to type.
